KVF changes coaches

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has effected radical changes to the technical bench of the women’s national teams ahead of two major international tournaments.

Paul Bitok, who was the head coach of the senior team, has been moved to the junior team that is preparing for the World Championship in Mexico next month.

Assistant coach David Lung’aho has been promoted and he will now be in charge of the senior team that is preparing for the FIVB African World Championships qualifiers to be staged in Nairobi in July.

The changes that were announced after the KVF National Executive meeting saw Paul Gitau come on board as Lung’aho’s deputy and Moses Lokorit taking over from Catherine Mabwi as trainer.

Mabwi has been relegated to the junior team as the assistant coach. Veteran Kenya Pipeline attacker Esther Chepkosgei joins the junior team as trainer.

Lugulu High coach David Nabibia has also attached to the junior team. Nabibia commands respect in junior volleyball, having led Lugulu to several accolades both at the National and East African secondary schools championships.

changes necessary

KVF Secretary General Evans Wasike said the changes were necessary to balance the technical benches of the senior and junior team.

He said: "The changes were most effective since we have two major tournaments that will run concurrently."

He allayed fears that the developments, which have come close to the international events, might cause disturbance in the teams.

"These coaches have been working together for a long period so chances of them disagreeing does not exist," said Wasike.

Bitok, who rejoined the bench when Sammy Kirongo was sacked last year, welcomed the move, saying it would give them a chance to prepare a dream team for the 2012 London Olympics.

main target

"Our main target is the 2012 Olympics and my close association with the juniors will help me identify potential talent for the Games," Bitok told FeverPitch during the Nairobi Aviation College tournament at State House Girls yesterday.

Lung’aho described the team as a "working family", saying they will still work together to promote Kenyan volleyball despite the changes.

"The changes will not stop us from sharing ideas on how to build strong teams," said Lung’aho.

The Kenya Pipeline coach, who is popularly known as ‘Demosh’ in volleyball circles, said he was ready for the task ahead and wished Bitok the best of luck as he prepares to take the juniors to Mexico.

Meanwhile, Cameroon and Senegal have joined Kenya and Tunisia in Pool C of the FIVB World Championship qualifiers. Cameroon and Senegal finished first and second during the African second round qualifiers in Nigeria.

Kenya and Tunisia were given bye to the third and final round that will see the top two finishers qualify for the 2010 World Championship in Japan. Wasike said Kenya are the top seeds in the group, followed by Tunisia, Cameroon and Senegal.

 

 

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